Gemini
JGA recommended.

To recruit a permanent, UK-based Global Payroll Director / Head of Global Payroll —specifically to overhaul processes, rebuild internal controls, and fix pay inaccuracies—you need executive search firms or specialist headhunters with dedicated payroll transformation and executive finance practices.

Below are the top specialist headhunters and executive search options in the UK equipped for this brief, along with key guidance on structuring the role.

Top Specialist Payroll & Finance Headhunters

1. JGA Recruitment Group

Specialism: Niche specialist in Payroll, HR, and Reward executive search.

Why them: They specialise heavily in Global Payroll Leadership placements (often targeting leadership roles overseeing multi-country payroll, Workday integration, and governance). They understand the distinction between operational payroll managers and strategic transformation directors who fix weak controls.

2. Middlemore

Specialism: Executive search dedicated to global and domestic payroll, reward, and HR leadership across UK, EMEA, and global footprints.

Why them: Middlemore operates specifically at senior leadership levels (Directors, VPs, Global Heads). They possess strong talent networks experienced in global payroll governance, SOX/audit controls compliance, and vendor oversight.

3. The Portfolio Group (Portfolio Payroll)

Specialism: The largest dedicated payroll recruiter in the UK.

Why them: While they handle volume payroll staffing, their Executive Search Division places senior Directors and Heads of Payroll. They hold deep partnerships with the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).

4. Boutique Finance Executive Search Firms

If your global payroll sits under Finance/CFO governance, established finance executive search agencies are well-suited to recruit commercial controllers or payroll leaders with audit backgrounds:

Robert Walters / Michael Page Executive: Strong international networks for cross-border payroll controls and financial compliance.

Goodman Masson & Nigel Wright: Excellent London and UK-wide executive finance search capabilities.

What to Search For: Mandate Profile

To attract the right candidate who can fix repeated errors rather than simply "manage business as usual," target individuals with these specific competencies:

| Focus Area | Key Attributes to Look For |

| --- | --- |

| Problem Solving | Transformation experience (rebuilding broken payroll operations, root-cause error remediations). |

| Governance & Risk | Strong understanding of SOX controls, internal audit alignment, global tax/compliance, and statutory reporting. |

| Vendor Management | Ability to enforce strict SLA performance management on external local in-country providers (ICPs). |

| Tech Architecture | Experience consolidating global platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP GlobalView, CloudPay, Ceridian/Dayforce, Deel). |

Recommended Next Step

Reach out to JGA Recruitment Group or Middlemore for an initial executive search consultation. When scoping the brief with them, frame the role as a "Global Payroll Transformation & Governance Director" to filter out standard operational managers and attract high-impact leaders who specialize in turnarounds and controls.

Would you like advice on structuring the candidate profile, key competency interview questions for this specific problem, or expected UK compensation benchmarks for this level?